Inspector’s backing for decision to dismiss bungalow build plan
Plans for a bungalow development on the outskirts of Sunderland have been dismissed by a Government-appointed planning inspector.
Last year, Sunderland City Council’splanningdepartment refused proposals for land at Parkside Farm, Stoneygate, in the Copt Hill ward.
This included the demolition of existing outbuilding structures to create a bungalow with associated access.
Following consultation, however, Sunderland City Council’splanningdepartment refused the plans and said the developmentwouldclashwith Green Belt policies.
This included the proposal beingan“inappropriatedevelopmentwithintheGreenBelt,” which would result in “significant harm to [its] openness.”
The applicant later lodged anappealagainstthecitycouncil’s ruling, with the matter sent to the Planning Inspectorate and inspector C Coyne appointed by the Secretary of State to decide on the plans.
After considering representations, the planning inspector upheld the council’s refusaldecisionanddismissed the appeal in November 2021.
The planning inspector looked at whether the harm to the Green Belt could be outweighed by other considerations to amount to the “very special circumstances” required to justify the development.
In a decision report, the planning inspector said the
proposalwouldfalloutsidethe exceptions set out in national planning policy, and that the
plans would “not preserve the openness of the Green Belt either spatially or visually.”
While acknowledging an appellant statement that said the “proposed dwelling would be used for a relative with a disability,” the planning inspector added “no substantive evidence has been submitted to support this.”
The planning inspector’s report reads: “Furthermore, whilst I have given the appellants’ personal circumstances careful consideration, I am mindful of the advice contained in planning practice guidance that in general planning is concerned with land use in the public interest.
“It is also probable that the proposed development would remain long after any current personal circumstances cease to be relevant.
“Asaresult,Iaffordthisconsideration little weight.”
The inspector also found the ‘special circumstances’ needed for building on Green Belt land had not been met.